New Funding Available Re Community Building Rennovations

Hello, Voluntary & Community Sector members, Hinckley & Bosworth. 

Please find below details re a new funding opportunity for community building rennovation work

EEM Community Spaces Fund - Applications open 9am Monday 14th September 2026

The Efficiency East Midlands Foundation’s Community Spaces Fund has been established to help community venues across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland become more sustainable, accessible and resilient for the future. The fund is being managed by Leicestershire & Rutland Community Foundation.

Is your village hall, sports club or social club feeling the strain? We’re offering grants up to £5,000 to help you invest in your building’s future – whether that’s better heating, making access easier, or improvements that bring your community together.

What we fund:

  • Energy efficiency and green improvements
  • Accessibility upgrades
  • Building work that helps you serve your community better
  • Equipment that keeps your venue sustainable long-term

Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed improvements will benefit the wider community and help the organisation remain viable into the future.

This fund will not support activities but is looking to support the sustainability of community venues who provide a safe and warm spaces for residents.

 

Funding available

£100,000 available. There is no minimum grant, but the maximum grant available is £5,000.

Geographical focus

Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby & Derbyshire

Why apply?

We keep things simple. We only ask for what we need, and we’re genuinely here to help – not to catch you out. No lengthy jargon or complicated forms.

Get started: Join our free webinar on Tuesday 29th September at 1pm – we’ll walk through everything. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eem-community-spaces-fund-webinar-tickets-1998960328152?aff=oddtdtcreator

Have questions? Email grants@llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk we’re happy to chat about your ideas before you apply.

Timescale

  • Applications open 9am Monday 14th September 2026
  • Applications close 9am Monday 19 October 2026
  • Decisions to be made by Monday 23rd November 2026
  • Funded activity to take place from 1st January 2027 – 31st December 2027

https://www.llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk/eem-community-spaces-fund/

VALidate Training Grants Fund

The VALidate Training Grants Fund aims to support small VCSE organisations across Leicester and Leicestershire to access accredited training that will strengthen their skills, knowledge and capacity and provide validation to the delivery of their projects, services and activities.

The fund is supported through local business sponsorship from the VAL Awards and is designed to complement, rather than duplicate, the training already offered by VAL.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Organisations must:
- Be a charity or community group.
- Operate within Leicester and/or Leicestershire.
- Have an annual income of less than £100,000.
- Be able to demonstrate how the training will benefit their organisation and the communities they support.

 

 

WHAT CAN BE FUNDED?

Specific accredited operational training courses.

For example, first aid or food hygiene training.
Up to two places per organisation.

Maximum contribution of £100 per place (£200 maximum award per organisation).

WHAT CANNOT BE FUNDED?

Training already provided by VAL.
Conferences or networking events.
Qualifications requiring ongoing or substantial funding. 

Retrospective applications for training already completed before approval.

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Organisations must arrange and book training directly with their chosen provider.

Grants will be paid in arrears upon receipt of:
- Evidence of attendance/completion.
- Invoice and proof of payment.
- A copy of your constitution/ governing document that includes a dissolution clause.
- Copy of a recent bank statement dated within the last 3 months.

 

ASESSMENT
Applications will be considered by a panel comprising representatives from:
- VAL
- Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation
- A representative from the local business sponsors of the VAL Awards.

ASESSMENT
Applications will be assessed against:
- Organisational need.
- Benefit to the organisation and its beneficiaries.
- Value for money.
- Alignment with the aims of the fund.
- Organisations demonstrating the need for funding support and why they can’t fund this from other sources

The aim of the fund is to support local organisations to develop and deliver projects that strengthen communities, create positive opportunities and make a meaningful difference to local people.

Still have questions, queries or need more info? Contact VAL on